Three Gopher Players Cleared in Assault Case

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Three Minnesota football players were cleared of sexual harassment allegations while another's punishment was upheld in the final round of appeals at the school.

photo from Gophersports.com

Attorney Ryan Pacyga says defensive back Antoine Winfield Jr., running back Kobe McCrary and quarterback Mark Williams will likely return to spring practice on Tuesday after they were pulled from the field by the university while the appeals process played out. Defensive back KiAnte Hardin's expulsion after a woman accused him of sexual assault was upheld.

Provost Karen Hanson conducted the final round of appeals stemming from an alleged incident on Sept. 2 that included allegations against 10 Golden Gophers players. Hanson upheld the decision to remove one-year suspensions for Winfield and McCrary. She also reversed a decision by a previous panel on Williams, lifting a one-year suspension for him.